Moby Dick

Unfortunately, most hotels/motels have experienced far too many rate increases, all over, not just the Ft. Lauderdale area. Even though gas is on the way up, very much on the way up, we have decided to drive to our cruise port locations, except to the Port of Seattle in May. I live in Alabama. So, we drive to the Port of Canaveral, Port Everglades, and/or Port of Miami. Yes, if I lived in or near Dallas, I'd still drive. But then, I'm an old truck driver and long distance driving doesn't bother me too much. Well, old age does effect me a little(70). We just drove from the San Antonio area to central Alabama nonstop. 13 hours not a problem. Port Everglades/Ft. Lauderdale is just another 11 hours away.

Looking for suggestions with purchasing Vacation/Travel Protection Packages. I think that I can find a better value than purchasing a Protection Package from the Cruise Line or Travel Agent, which are all 3rd party institutions anyway. I'm an experienced cruiser and always purchased the package from the TA or Cruise line. But, like I said, I think there are better values out there. From experience, would some folks give me their actual experience with finding their own Vacation/Travel Protection Insurance companies. I have looked/searched online for them but that doesn't tell me how truthful/reliable they are. Also, I believe I've heard that there are packages that cover a person year round if they travel a lot, either by commercial transportation companies or by privately owned vehicle without having to buy a policy for every trip. Anybody know about those? Thank you in advance for some prompt responses, Jay

Several years ago, we were very loyal to Carnival. But, a couple of very frustrating things happened and we made the decision to try another cruise line. We went with RCCL, Oasis of the seas, Aqua Theatre Suite, Star Class. We haven't looked back. Since we always go Star, loyalty points really don't mean too much to us. Star Class actually turns our cruise into an ALL INCLUSIVE with If RCCL went away, not sure. Maybe we'd try the Haven. But, I really don't like the smaller ships. Had enough of small with Carnival.

I've always had the impression that they would rather you use a TA.

We are staying at the Crowne Plaza SeaTac Airport location in May. Both the night before our cruise and the night after. We are using IHG reward points which makes it nice. There are several options for shuttles to choose from. Will post my thoughts/experiences upon return.

Not sure about Royal Caribbean but on Carnival if you upgrade at no extra cost (and I don't know the specifics of "Royal Up) you only get the upgraded room/cabin, not the amenities. I'm hoping this isn't true, for you.

I am a retired General Manager of the Port Everglades parking facilities. I never cruised while working at Port Everglades. After retiring, my wife has convinced me to cruise often. So, I've cruised out of Port Everglades a lot. I've stayed in motels snd used their parking g deals, I've used off port parking. But, I've never parked in the facilities that I used to manage. I found early on that (I have absolutely no business relationship with this business) Park N GO is by far the best option. If interested, I'd be glad to explain.

When is the Casino open during an Alaska cruise? Is the inside passage considered international waterways? Is the casino only open while in international waters, off shore? ETC First time on an Alaska cruise and very much casino enthusiasts.